WASHINGTON – Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin today co-sponsored a Resolution condemning the "vicious terrorist murders of 26 civilians in Israel" within a14-hour period over the weekend and "expressing solidarity with Israel in the fight against terrorism." The Resolution (H.Con.Res. 280) passed the House by a vote of 384-11.

The Congressman, a Commissioner on the Helsinki Commission which monitors human rights abuses in Central and Eastern Europe, expressed deep outrage by the Palestinian terrorist campaign. "The United States must make clear that terrorism and violence can never be used as a negotiating tactic. Israel must not make concessions to the Palestinians as a result of the latest terrorist attacks."

During the weekend of Dec. 1-2, 2001, Palestinian suicide bombers murdered 26 Israeli citizens and wounded 175. Proportionally, that would be equivalent to 1,200 American deaths and 8,000 wounded.

The Congressman also urged Chairman Yasser Arafat to "live up to his obligations under the Oslo Accords, and to maintain public order and calm in the West Bank through vigorous use of the Palestinian police force." The Palestinians control more than 40% of the West Bank and Gaza, with more than 95% of the Palestinian population under the civil administration of the Palestinian Authority.

"After Sept. 11th, I think all Americans understand the threat of terrorism. In an address to Congress after Sept. 11th, President Bush made clear that ‘any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime.' Unless Chairman Arafat stops the violence and cracks down on terrorist cells under his authority, we should suspend all ties to the Chairman and the Palestinian Authority."

Specifically, the Resolution that passed the House urges President Bush to suspend all relations with Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian Authority if they fail to "destroy the infrastructure of the Palestinian terrorist groups," and bring those responsible to justice. The Resolution also urges the President to insist that all countries harboring or support Palestinian terrorist groups "end all such support ... and bring all terrorists ... to justice."

"Each of us prays for peace in the Middle East, but the only way to achieve peace is for Palestinian leaders to not only condemn but to take stops to stop terrorism and violence. In this, we stand united with Israel in the struggle against terrorism," said Rep. Cardin.